House conservatives rule out immigration this year

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Conservative Republicans on Wednesday ruled out any immigration legislation in the House this year, insisting that the GOP should wait until next year when the party might also control the Senate.

House GOP leaders unveiled their broad immigration principles last week that gave hope to advocates and the Obama administration that the first changes in the nation's laws in three decades might happen in the coming months.

Immigration legislation is one of the top priorities for Obama's second term.

But several of the conservatives were adamant that the House should do nothing on the issue this year, a midterm election year when the GOP is angling to gain six seats in the Senate and seize majority control. Democrats currently have a 55-45 advantage but are defending more seats, including ones in Republican-leaning states.

"I think it's a mistake for us to have an internal battle in the Republican Party this year about immigration reform," Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, told reporters at a gathering of conservatives. "I think when we take back the Senate in 2014 one of the first things we should do next year after we do certain economic issues, I think we should address the immigration issue."

Labrador's comments were noteworthy as he was one of eight House members working on bipartisan immigration legislation last year. He later abandoned the negotiations.

"This is not an issue that's ready for prime time to move legislatively," said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who said Republicans should use the principles to begin a dialogue with Hispanics.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said the House should focus on the four bills dealing with security that the Judiciary Committee approved last summer. Absent any action on those bills, Jordan said it would be tough to do any immigration legislation this year.

The definitive statements from the conservatives came as Douglas Elmendorf, the head of the Congressional Budget Office, told a House panel that the comprehensive, Senate-passed immigration bill would have a positive impact on the nation's finances.

The Senate last June passed a bipartisan bill that would tighten border security, provide enforcement measures and offer a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.

The measure has stalled in the House where Speaker John Boehner and other leaders have rejected a comprehensive approach in favor of a bill-by-bill process.

Elmendorf told the House Budget Committee that a CBO analysis "found that that legislation would reduce budget deficits and lead to a larger economy and over time lead to higher output per person in this country."

Specifically, he said additional workers, especially high-skilled, highly educated employees, would increase the nation's tax revenues.

The House leaders' broad principles would tighten border and interior security, establish a verification system for employers and legalize some of the 11 million immigrants. It would not provide a special path to citizenship to those living here illegally, though it would give children brought to the country by their parents a shot a citizenship.

Conservatives have said they distrust Obama to enforce any new law, citing his waivers and suspensions of provisions on the health care law.

Boehner said Tuesday that Republicans were discussing "whether we should proceed, if we proceed and how we would proceed. It's also clear from our members that we believe that securing our borders has to be the first step in this process."

But he added that conversations are continuing and "no decision's been made."

Further tamping down any optimism for legislation this year was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who told reporters that differences between the Senate's comprehensive approach and the House's piecemeal strategy were an "irresolvable conflict."

"I don't see how you get to an outcome this year with the two bodies in such a different place," McConnell told reporters.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/house-conserva...181816435.html

Well there you go folks. See you again next year !

When they win back the Senate in 2014? wtf...

Yup,sweet talks...

Been saying this for a very long time now. We should be focusing on two things right now. 1 - Helping Democrats secure the House, 2 - Pushing Obama to expand DACA when he announces the renewal procedures. Immigration Reform is impossible with the current make of the Congress.

Couldn't agree more. Getting Obama to sign an Executive order in addition to expanding certain protections for Dreamer's parents UNTIL immigration reform might also be a palatable endeavor for democrats.

It doesn't even have to be something drastic like an "executive order." Some words just scare people. All he needs to do and mark these words there is a VERY good chance of this happening, let the PARENTS of DACA beneficiaries have same rights as them as you say..pretty much drive and be authorized to work. And then maybe expand DACA to older dreamers. I think this is going to happen. CIR has absolutely no chance at all. I refuse to continue being played by these politicians. I am so fed up I might actually apply for Advanced Parole so I can go see my grandfather, my entire extended family on behalf of my parents. There is no point of being scared any longer. We are fully deserving of full fledged rights to live and move freely in this country. We must snatch our rights now. What this campaign needs to do is directly target the white house and demand executive action. Congress is never going to solve our problems this year.

Yeah figured they would try to wait to take over the senate. Can't blame them, it's the best strategy for those assholes.

Something I have seen discussed on Twitter is expanding DACA for parents of USCs based on the fact that many are minors and if their custodial parent is deported, then they will end up in foster care adding to an already overburdened system. Not to mention the emotional and psychological impact of deportations.

DACA should also be expanded for the parents of DACA beneficiaries. It only makes sense. It would streamline USCIS process of background checks. These corrupt idiots in Congress ain't doing shit I can tell you that.

Yup. That's why it amuses me when I see posts on here from people saying "I'm an independent" or "They're all the same shit" when clearly, the Republicans have made us their enemy. It's not even close. Some people bring up 2008, but our only chance at reform is with a Democrat majority in both houses of congress. Republicans have chosen to go down with their Tea Party ship. They are a lost cause.